Smohalla facts for kids

Smohalla (born around 1815 – died 1895) was an important spiritual leader and prophet from the Wanapum people. He was part of the Dreamers movement, a group of Native American people in the Pacific Northwest region, specifically in the Columbia Plateau area. He taught his people to follow their traditional ways.

Who Was Smohalla?

Smohalla was born between 1815 and 1820 near Wallula, Washington in what is now Washington state. He was a member of the Wanapum tribe. This tribe was also known as Sokulk by explorers Lewis and Clark.

His birth name was Wak-wei or Kuk-kia. This name means "arising from the dust of earth mother." As he grew and became a spiritual leader, he was called Smohalla. This name means "preacher." He was also known by other names like Yuyunipitqana, "the shouting mountain," and Waipshwa, "Rock carrier."

Smohalla's Journey and Teachings

Smohalla was known as a brave warrior. After some disagreements with the Walla Walla chief Homily, Smohalla and his followers moved. They went to a quieter area called P’na Village, near Priest Rapids in Yakima County, Washington.

Around 1850, Smohalla began to share his special teachings. He encouraged his people to return to their old tribal traditions and beliefs. His ideas spread quickly. Many tribes in the region joined together against the expansion of white settlers. This led to the Yakima War in 1855–1856. The war started because the government wanted to move Native people to small reservations.

After the war, Smohalla had a fight with Chief Moses, a Sinkiuse-Columbia chief. Smohalla was badly hurt and almost died. People thought he was dead, but he managed to escape by boat.

His Spiritual Vision

It is said that after this event, Smohalla went on a long journey. Some stories say he traveled as far south as Mexico. He then returned through Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. Along the way, he reportedly saw Mormon priests who said they received messages directly from heaven.

When he returned home, Smohalla told his people he had visited the spirit world. However, some Wanapum elders and Smohalla's descendants say his spiritual connection happened differently. They believe he communicated with spirits while he was sad about losing a child he loved.

Smohalla was already a respected medicine man. But the spiritual knowledge he gained at this time made him a true prophet. He urged his followers, who grew to about 2,000 people, to live like their ancestors. He told them to avoid the ways and goods of the newcomers.

The Washani Religion

Smohalla was one of several important prophets in the area. He brought back the Washani Religion and the Washat Dance traditions. He also added new ideas from his own dreams and visions. Followers of the Washani religion believed in the power of God and Mother Earth.

Famous leaders like Chief Joseph and his Nez Percé followers joined Smohalla's beliefs. Many other Native people from tribes like the Wanapum also became followers. Kotiakan, a Yakama prophet, was one of Smohalla's main supporters. He helped Smohalla spread his important message.

Later Life and Legacy

Even though the government tried to stop him, Smohalla continued to practice his religion until he died in 1895. After his death, his son Yoyouni took over as leader. Later, his nephew Puck Hyah Toot continued the Smohallan beliefs. They carried his teachings into the twentieth century.

See also

In Spanish: Smohalla para niños